FIFA has claimed that they are willing to talk with the European Leagues and player unions, including FIFPRO, in order to avoid a lawsuit regarding the official soccer calendar.
FIFPRO, the global soccer players union, revealed in June that they were taking legal action against FIFA. A month later, the European Leagues announced that they were joining forces with the union.
The organization represents 1,130 clubs in nearly 40 of the biggest soccer leagues across Europe. Their reach includes the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A. Although LaLiga is not currently part of the European Leagues, reps in the Spanish division previously voiced concerns over FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup. In fact, Real Madrid may even boycott the upcoming tournament in 2025.
The main issue for the European Leagues and FIFPRO revolves around this competition. FIFA officials previously opted to increase the number of clubs at the tournament from seven to 32. As a result, several top European teams will have to play more matches. The altered competition is set to be hosted by the United States in the summer of 2025.
Soccer’s governing body has not heard from other sides after reaching out in May
FIFA, however, has responded to the lawsuit by saying that they are open to discussing the situation with the groups. The governing body has even claimed that they previously reached out to the other side, but not have heard back.
“FIFA has reiterated an invitation to meet and discuss the calendar with World Leagues Association and FIFPRO, having received no response to a letter on 10 May 2024,” stated a spokesperson for the governing body.
Real Madrid are understood to be unhappy with how the Club World Cup finances are being distributed, although they have confirmed they intend to participate